Penetrating basement waterproofing from the inside from groundwater will save you from flooding if it is not possible to create an external barrier. This approach is quite popular, because it does not require a lot of financial investments (although it all depends on the material chosen), and you can also do all the work yourself. The main thing is to know what and how to use.
Pros and cons
There will always be supporters and opponents of internal waterproofing. There may be many factors that influenced the opinion of the builders. Firstly, incorrectly selected materials in a particular case, and secondly, greed should not be ruled out. That is, the owner wished to save money at some stage and did not do it accordingly, which is why the waterproofing did not give proper results. In addition, the experience of performing such work must also be taken into account. That is why, the opinion of the townsfolk about waterproofing from the inside, at times, differ greatly.
However, it will not be superfluous for yourself to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of such waterproofing. Let's start with the positives:
- the mixture tends to penetrate deeply into the concrete structure, making the protection more reliable - on average, the penetration depth is 30 cm, but there are manufacturers who claim that their mixtures can penetrate 1.5 meters into the slab;
- for old basements, such treatment is simply necessary, since even microcracks are “clogged” here, due to which moisture cannot penetrate into the room;
- the concrete properties themselves are improved, in particular, its resistance to low temperatures;
- the mixture does not affect the vapor permeability of concrete slabs;
- walls become more wear-resistant, and even mechanical damage will no longer bring as much harm as before;
- for internal waterproofing, there is no need to dig out the foundation of the house - all work is simply carried out indoors;
- depending on the service life of the base concrete, the service life of the treatment itself also depends;
- there is no need to dry the walls, because the deeper the slurry penetrates, the better the quality of the concrete will be;
- processing affects not only the outer part of the wall - the crystals penetrate deep into the concrete, which means that they also affect the internal structure of the material, which is why it is important here to moisten the surfaces as much as possible;
- modern mixtures have one unique feature - if a microcrack forms in the surface, then the space crystallizes, due to which it is filled, that is, it self-destructs;
- such work does not require expensive equipment, and no specific knowledge about repair tasks either;
- the waterproofing mixture used is absolutely harmless, both for the environment and for human health;
- for all work, from the preparation of surfaces and ending with the application of the last layer, it will take a maximum of 2 days;
- there are compounds that can be used not only to protect the foundation, but also to seal gushing leaks.
The list of positives is long enough. The waterproofing mixture helps to solve many problems associated with the proximity of groundwater. But is everything so good? In fact, there are a number of downsides. First, the waterproofing composition is best used on fresh concrete. You will have to fiddle with the old surface for a long time - clean, degrease, etc. Also, such a coating is applicable only for plaster, concrete and cement, with a grade of at least 150M. Brick and stone waterproofing is not subject. Secondly, processing is carried out only if the temperature in the basement is not lower than +5 degrees. Thirdly, wall processing is not carried out if there are cracks in the surface of more than 3 mm. First you need to plaster them, and then proceed to waterproofing.
And, of course, the price. Such compositions are far from cheap. Therefore, before applying them to the surface, it is worth carrying out preparatory work. Otherwise, there is a risk of redoing everything.
Initial work
Before waterproofing the cellar from groundwater, you need to prepare the surrounding space. The fact is that no matter how well the cellar is insulated, if preparatory work has not been carried out in the surrounding area, then sooner or later, moisture will still seep into the house.
Regardless of what material is chosen to protect the basement, a drainage sewer must be created from the outside. To do this, a closed loop of perforated corrugated pipes is created around the perimeter of the house. Such elements are pre-wrapped with a textile filter (preferably a two-layer one). Here you can use dornite or geotextiles. During installation, it is important to create a general slope towards the underground tank. You will also need to install manholes (every 3-5 m). for these purposes, corrugated pipes of large diameter are used.
Such work is carried out in order to collect excess moisture that can accumulate near the house. Such water can then still be used, for example, for washing a car or watering a garden. If you do not install a drainage system, then the effectiveness of the waterproofing will drop by 20-30%.
If we talk about protecting the basement, then you should understand that this applies to all surfaces - floors, walls and ceilings. Particular attention is paid to the joints. Before applying the composition, you need to process them. For these purposes, bituminous mastic is used, which is not at all expensive. If the house is located in the zone of active groundwater, then more reliable waterproofing will be required. Moreover, it is desirable to supplement it with a drainage pump. Of course, such work will require a serious financial investment, but if you think about the fact that water can wash away the foundation and the house will settle, it becomes clear that this is not so much.
Do not forget about ventilation. Not many owners remember that the flow of air contributes to the drying of surfaces, which means that even minimal moisture will not linger in the basement. Therefore, for such a room, it will be necessary to equip a ventilation duct or a conventional fan.
Once the basement is prepared, you can start choosing a waterproofing material.
Varieties of waterproofing
Basement hydro barrier - protection of the foundation of the house from moisture. Some may think that it is not so important. But this is only at first glance. Each brand of concrete has its own service life, after which destruction begins. Waterproofing helps to protect concrete and cement from the harmful effects of the environment, in particular from moisture. And even if the owner of the newly built house himself does not feel the destructive effect of groundwater, his children or grandchildren may face such a problem. Therefore, it is worth taking care of it in advance.
To create a moisture-resistant barrier, various materials can be used - penetrating, coating, pasting, sprayed materials. Depending on the coating, the surfaces either acquire a moisture-proof film, or due to a chemical reaction, their structure changes. Experts note that the latter option is more reliable. But each type is worth familiarizing yourself with in more detail.
penetrating mixture
Penetrating mixtures have long proven themselves positively, as they are highly effective. Great for those doing budget repairs. The composition of such substances contains special active additives that react with a cement or concrete base and water. As a result, crystals are obtained, which fill all microcracks. The penetration ability is 10-15 cm. True, there is one “but” here - for the use of such compounds, high requirements are put forward for concrete and cement. Also, if there are cracks larger than 0.5 mm in the foundation, then such mixtures will not work. It's just that this surface becomes too loose, which is why the desired effect does not occur.
Penetron
There is a whole line of waterproofing mixtures. Their composition is also designed for a chemical reaction with concrete components. To get the effect, you need to wet the surface well, since water contributes to the deep penetration of active substances into the concrete structure. During the reaction, insoluble crystalline hydrates are obtained, which fill all the existing voids and become a barrier to groundwater.
The manufacturer Penetron is quite popular among builders, both amateurs and professional craftsmen. And all because:
- there is a very large assortment - liquid and pasty mixtures, fillings and braces, injection solutions, etc.;
- solutions of this line help to solve many construction problems - eliminate capillary leaks and pressure leaks, seal all joints of adjacent surfaces, waterproof reinforced concrete blocks and brick walls.
Waterproofing the basement from the inside from groundwater with Penetron helps to solve many operational problems. To apply the composition to the surface, traditional methods are used - a spatula, injection or brush. After such treatment, the room becomes completely waterproof. These compositions help not only to isolate the basement from moisture, but also enhance the frost resistance, wear resistance and chemical inertness of concrete.
Water repellents
Unlike the previous version, here fine-grained fillers are added to the composition, which have adhesive properties. During the application of the mixture to the surface, such components penetrate into the pores of reinforced concrete, thereby clogging them. They stick in voids, and if water gets on them, the liquid simply rolls down, and does not pass into the material.
Unfortunately, water repellents do not have deep penetration properties. The maximum depth is 5 mm. They are also easily washed out and weathered. Therefore, if the surfaces are treated with such a composition, then once every 1-2 years it will be necessary to renew the coating. The most difficult thing is that some basements are lined, for example, with clapboard or tiles. Then, in order to update the waterproofing, you will need to remove the cladding, and then lay it again. And this leads to significant costs.
Pasting material
This option is more suitable for exterior processing of the basement or basement. But such a coating is very susceptible to mechanical damage. Roll materials are used here, which are fixed over walls, floors and ceilings. They do not penetrate, but simply protect surfaces. If penetrating mixtures are simply applied, then an additional primer with a bitumen emulsion will still be required. Therefore, such works are more expensive. In addition, if the walls have irregularities with a difference of more than 2 cm, then they must first be leveled. And again, this comes at a cost.
Of the pasting materials, the most popular are roofing material (cardboard or fiberglass base), hydrobutyl and hydroisol. The latter are impregnations, which include rubber from butyl rubber. In the process of surface treatment with such materials, a problem immediately arises - joints and corners. Here you have to either leave them "open" or block them. But this leads to overspending. That is why, this option is best used for the exterior design of the basement. In addition, in combination with penetrating waterproofing from the inside, the level of protection increases many times.
Waterproofing coatings
For this option, you need to know how you can apply mastic in a cold or hot way. Here a surface film should be obtained, which will become a barrier to groundwater. It has a certain elasticity, tolerant of temperature changes. This method is convenient, since it does not imply the creation of seams, which significantly reduces the risk of moisture penetration into the basement. But the effectiveness of waterproofing mastic will manifest itself only if there is a constant positive pressure. Under negative pressure, the coating layer peels off, due to which the service life of the protection drops sharply.
Liquid glass
Another fairly popular method. Here, too, the substance fills all the cracks and irregularities, which helps to increase the life of the foundation. The principle of operation is very similar to any other penetrating mixture, only the composition here will be slightly different. A distinctive feature of this composition is the ability to disinfect surfaces. That is, after such treatment, the fungus and mold are not terrible.
According to experts, it is best to use penetrating waterproofing from the inside, and use roll materials from the outside. Such double protection, although it will require financial investments, will only show itself on the positive side.
Work plan
Work to protect the basement from groundwater has its own stages and technique. The final result depends on how the chronology will be observed.
If we talk about the sequence, then it is like this:
- pumping groundwater from the basement and the surrounding area - you can use a pump for this;
- if the water was in the basement or it was too humid there, then first you need to organize airing and ventilation so that everything dries;
- it is necessary to inspect all supporting structures for damage, and if any are found, then eliminate them;
- surface preparation - here it is necessary to wash the walls, floor and ceiling from dust and possible dirt, also degreasing and sealing all kinds of cracks and flaws is carried out here (special solutions are used);
- moisturizing - for this you can use a spray bottle or an ordinary wet rag (the main thing is that the water is clean);
- processing - applies to smooth surfaces, as a rough coating improves adhesion (a metal brush can be used);
- preparation of the mixture - the composition is mixed with water in the proportions indicated on the package;
- applying the resulting solution to a concrete or cement base;
- repetition - penetrating mixtures require 2 layers (the duration of the break between layers must be viewed on the package);
- exposure - on average, it takes about a month for the composition to reliably impregnate the base, only at the end of the specified period, you can start finishing the surfaces.
It is in this sequence that the basement is protected from groundwater.
As for the technology of applying penetrating waterproofing, there is nothing complicated. After the mixture is ready, the application starts from the corners and joints, and only then they move on to the rest of the area. For such work, it is convenient to use an ordinary construction spatula. Most penetrating mixtures are applied in two coats. Subsequent processing should be carried out no earlier than two hours later. It is recommended to re-moisturize at the end. This will speed up the chemical reaction of the solution.
As can be seen from all of the above, it is easy to waterproof the basement from the inside with your own hands. The main thing is to properly prepare the base and not skimp on quality materials.
If such work is carried out with your own hands, then it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the recommendations of more experienced craftsmen. And they are:
- before starting work inside the house, it is worth taking care of external waterproofing;
- if penetrating mixtures are used, then it is important that the concrete is wet - the more moisture, the more efficiently and quickly the solution crystallizes;
- in the case of horizontal insulation, it is worth abandoning lead and strip aluminum;
- when the house is just lined up, you need to remember that it will settle for some time, so during this period it is better not to use waterproofing plaster (it is better to refuse this material altogether if the house tends to shrink strongly);
- if liquid glass is chosen for work, then it is worth remembering that it hardens very quickly, so it is better to prepare it in small portions;
- hard-to-reach places can be treated either with a brush or by pouring them with a solution;
- not only walls and floors, but also all floors should be processed;
- if wooden elements are present in the structure, then they are pre-treated with antiseptic solutions;
- to ensure good drying, you need to take care of the natural ventilation of the underground level;
- any mixture is toxic (some more, others less), so when performing such work, you need to use personal protective equipment.
The quality of work largely depends on the proper preparation of the premises. But besides this, it is also worth remembering about personal safety.
